Gunmen believed to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), attacked a military checkpoint in Abia State on Wednesday morning.
The attack, which occurred at the checkpoint near the Carpenter Shed, Ekenobizi, Umuopara in Umuahia South Local Government Area, led to the deaths of two soldiers.
The ambush took place around 6:18 AM, at a checkpoint situated close to Onuimo Bridge, a well-known boundary between Abia and Imo States. The violent exchange of gunfire prompted road users and traders in the vicinity to flee for safety.
According to sources, the gunmen, who reportedly caught the soldiers by surprise, dismantled the checkpoint after overpowering them. The checkpoint had been established only a week earlier, on November 7, to enhance security in the region.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu Onah, speaking on behalf of the Joint Task Force Southeast, Operation UDO KA, confirmed the attack:
“At approximately 6:00 AM on November 13, 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force Southeast, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia–Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area, were attacked by elements of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Despite the surprise attack, our brave soldiers successfully repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray. The assailants left behind two vehicles, a Sienna and a Lexus Jeep, which had been used in the attack.
“Sadly, two of our soldiers paid the ultimate price during the firefight.”
Lt. Col. Onah appealed to the residents of Abia State and the Southeast to provide any relevant and reliable information that could assist in locating and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
“The Joint Task Force Southeast remains committed to its mandate of ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the region. We will continue to uphold our constitutional duties, in line with international best practices and the rules of engagement governing our operations,” he added.
The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in the Southeast, where IPOB and ESN continue to engage in violent confrontations with security forces.
